Guo writes to Palace: I’m innocent; have no Pogo link

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said on Monday that he has already instructed the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to revoke the deputization of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo within her area of jurisdiction. 

Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo (File photo from the Facebook page Sen. Risa Hontiveros)

MANILA, Philippines—Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is innocent and ready to cooperate with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Guo’s representatives from David and Jamilla Law Office delivered a letter to Malacañang addressed to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who chairs the PAOCC.

READ: Guo may be slapped with human trafficking charges – PAOCC exec

In an ambush interview, a member of Guo’s legal counsel, Lorelie Santos, reiterated her client’s innocence.

“It is simply a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary as the Chairman of the PAOCC, just expressing the mayor’s intention that she is one with the Commission to uncover the truth and for justice to prevail,” said Santos.

Pressed if Guo is asserting her innocence, Santos responded, “Yes.”

“She is one with the Commission and even the Senate to uncover the truth,” said Santos.

In the letter to Bersamin, Guo said the accusations of owning Baofu Land Development Inc., engaging in money laundering, and maintaining Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) businesses were baseless.

Guo likewise denied running for mayor of Bamban to protect Baofu.

She also refuted allegations of human trafficking and kidnapping pinned on her by the PAOCC.

The letter to Bersamin comes a day after the PAOCC announced that the commission would file human trafficking charges against Guo.

Read more...